Read Online The Duke's Shotgun Wedding (Entangled Scandalous) by Stacy Reid - Free Book Online

such coldness after their firestorm of passion.
    She paused on the way to the parlor as a shocking thought occurred to her. What if feeling those incredible things was a common occurrence to the duke, nothing to be in awe and amazement over?
    She banished the thought, hating the ugly jealousy that griped her at the mere notion. After a tour of the large, stately manor and speaking with Mrs. Otterbsy, the head housekeeper, Jocelyn realized that the estate ran with a grim efficiency that needed little to no input from her. Everything Mrs. Otterbsy presented to her had been in proper order, and she could find no fault.
    The second thing Jocelyn realized was that she was completely and utterly bored. The concept so stunned her that for a few minutes she did not know what to do. She was always occupied at full tilt running Stonehaven, so to now be a duchess who sat on a luxurious cushion with her thumbs twiddling and nothing else to do—it would soon drive her mad.
    When she could stand it no longer, she had launched into motion, ordering up the carriage.
    She now stood in front of her old home.
    The door flew open before she had a chance to ring the knocker. “Milady.” Cromwell did not look surprised to see her.
    She sailed inside, loving the feeling that swept through her as Emma and William spied her from the parlor. Their shrieks rang joyously in her ears as they tumbled into her arms.
    “Come now,” she said, laughing. “Have you turned into little barbarians after only a day?”
    “I fear they have, Jocelyn.”
    She glanced up at the teasing reply of her sister, Victoria. Only a year separated them, and Victoria was her dearest friend. She could see the concern in her sister’s eyes, and Jocelyn smiled at her in reassurance.
    “Where is Papa? I will see him first, then visit with you,” she said, shooing the twins.
    Victoria went with her as they strolled toward the library. “Are you truly well?”
    Jocelyn glanced up to see her searching her face with her expressive hazel eyes—eyes that reminded her so much of their mama. “Yes, I am truly well.”
    There was a slight pause and then her sister asked, “Were you brave?”
    The surprised laughter that spilled from Jocelyn had Victoria laughing with her. “Oh, goodness, Vicki.”
    “You must tell me, sister dear.” Victoria gulped. “Please do not fear for my delicate sensibilities. I must know what happened.”
    “Oh, I fear your sensibilities are in for a treat. It was glorious!”
    “Was it wicked and immoral?” The question was spoken in a hushed whisper.
    Their gales of laughter were cut short by her father opening the library door. He arched his bushy brows at her. “I see you have suffered no ill effects from your evening trek to Norfolk, my dear.” Her father brushed his lips against her forehead in greeting.
    “I will have Mrs. Winthrop bring tea and cake, Papa,” Victoria said. “And I will tell Emily you are here, Jocelyn. She has been ensconced in the schoolroom all morning with some medieval text, completely enraptured.” She hurried away, leaving Jocelyn alone with her father.
    Jocelyn groaned as she sank into the library sofa. She turned toward her father, loving that he sat beside her instead of behind his desk.
    “I had not expected you to visit so soon.”
    She let out a breath. “I was dreadfully bored, with little to do, Papa. The estate is run with frightening efficiency, and I fear I am at a loss with a day of complete leisure.”
    The corner of his eyes crinkled as he chuckled. “Your life will doubtless be much different. You must now host balls, soirees, and luncheons. And attend operas and masquerades with His Grace. You have been running this household for a very long time, my girl, ensuring all our needs are met. You must now do so for your own home, albeit in a different way. Victoria and I will manage splendidly in your absence.”
    She sighed gustily. “I wanted to see Sebastian this morning, Papa, to discuss the